Despaigne wins debut

SAN FRANCISCO – Cuban defector Odrisamer Despaigne became the fourth Padres pitcher to throw seven scoreless innings in his first big league start, leading San Diego to a 6-0 victory over the San Francisco Giants on Monday.

Tommy Medica hit a two-run double off Matt Cain (1-6) after the umpires took away a three-run home run by Yasmani Grandal on a replay review to give the crafty Despaigne (1-0) the support he needed.

Despaigne defected from Cuba last summer and got the win less than two months after ex-general manager Josh Byrnes signed him to a minor league deal. Byrnes was fired Sunday so he didn’t get the chance to benefit from the decision.

“It took me for surprise to be here,” Despaigne said through an interpreter. “It was a dream come true.”

Despaigne allowed four hits and became the seventh pitcher in the past 100 years to throw at least seven scoreless innings with no walks in his first career start. He had four strikeouts.

The Giants lost for the 10th time in 13 games.

Reds 6, Cubs 1

In Chicago, Devin Mesoraco hit a grand slam with two outs in Cincinnati’s five-run ninth.

Nationals 3, Brewers 0

In Milwaukee, Gio Gonzalez combined with three relievers to hold the Brewers’ potent lineup to three hits, and Adam LaRoche hit a three-run homer to lead Washington.

Cardinals 8, Rockies 0

In Denver, Lance Lynn allowed three hits in eight innings and Matt Adams had two homers and a career-high six RBIs to lead St. Louis.